If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, my Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe will quickly become your new weeknight favorite. Picture tender bowtie pasta tossed with perfectly seasoned ground beef, all enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce that swirls together Italian herbs, a punch of garlic, vibrant tomatoes, two creamy cheeses, and a sprinkling of fresh parsley. It’s a cozy, family-friendly dish that delivers all the flavor and heartiness you crave, in just around 40 minutes from start to finish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe comes together with a handful of humble but essential ingredients, each one bringing something special to the table. From bold aromatics to oozy cheese, every component plays its part in creating the creamy, savory, utterly craveable pasta of your dreams.
- Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: The iconic bowtie shape holds sauce perfectly and adds a playful look to each bite.
- Ground beef: Brings protein, richness, and satisfying flavor that anchors the whole dish.
- Olive oil: Adds subtle earthiness and helps brown the beef for deeper taste.
- Onion: Sweet, savory base note that melds into the sauce for added depth.
- Garlic: Delivers essential savory punch and aromatic magic!
- Italian seasoning: A classic blend that layers in the flavors of Mediterranean herbs.
- Paprika: Provides gentle smoky warmth and a hint of color to the sauce.
- Salt: Essential for balancing flavors—season to taste.
- Black pepper: Adds a little zip and rounds out the seasoning.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): Lends tangy brightness and forms the foundation of the sauce.
- Beef broth: Deepens the savoriness and keeps the sauce luscious and silky.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its signature creamy texture and decadent flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts in for nutty, salty richness that makes the sauce unforgettable.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides irresistibly gooey, cheesy pockets throughout the pasta.
- Fresh parsley: The perfect fresh, herby finish—plus a pop of color you’ll love.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and adding your bowtie pasta. Cook them according to the package directions, just until al dente—they should still have a tiny bit of bite to them, which means they’ll soak up the sauce perfectly later. Once done, drain your pasta and set it aside while you work on the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once shimmering, add your ground beef and use a spoon or spatula to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Let it brown up fully, which takes about 5 to 6 minutes. This crucial step builds the base flavor for your Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe—you want those golden edges for maximum taste!
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic straight into the browned beef. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the onion softens and the garlic becomes beautifully fragrant. This combo takes your sauce from good to truly sublime.
Step 4: Layer in Seasonings
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the beef and onion mixture. These seasonings make the dish taste like you simmered it for hours, even though you’re just getting started on the sauce.
Step 5: Simmer Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and beef broth. Stir until everything is combined, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for 8 to 10 minutes—this not only deepens the flavors, but also lets the sauce thicken ever so slightly. Your kitchen will smell amazing right about now!
Step 6: Add Cream and Parmesan
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Watch as the sauce transforms into something luxuriously silky and smooth. Give it a taste and adjust the salt or seasoning if needed—this is where the Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe earns its name!
Step 7: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet, tossing gently until every ribbon is coated in the glorious creamy beef sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella all over the top, then cover the pan. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes—just enough time for the cheese to melt and get beautifully stretchy and gooey.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve your Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe straight from the skillet for that cozy, family-style vibe, and watch everyone swoon over their first forkful.
How to Serve Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates the look and taste of this dish quite like a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley. For extra pizzazz, try adding a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving. A spritz of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil are also delicious finishing touches that make each plate feel like a restaurant creation.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe is hearty enough to be the star of the show, but pairing it with side dishes makes dinner feel even more special. Warm garlic bread is a classic choice, perfect for soaking up every bit of the creamy sauce. For something lighter, serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini.
Creative Ways to Present
Dishing up this pasta in individual bowls with twirls of gooey mozzarella feels extra homey. For a crowd, try piling it onto a big serving platter and letting everyone help themselves family-style. You can even try baking the finished pasta in a casserole dish for 10 minutes under the broiler if you want a bubbly, golden cheese crust—just another way to show off your Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with any leftovers (lucky you!), let the pasta cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making for a truly satisfying next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
Believe it or not, the Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe can be frozen for later. Cool the pasta completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to their creamy glory, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed, stirring frequently until it’s heated through and the cheese is nice and melty again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While farfalle (bowtie) pasta is perfect for catching the creamy sauce, penne, rigatoni, or rotini work beautifully too. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure your pasta is perfectly al dente.
Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
Yes! You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even use evaporated milk for a lighter sauce. Ground turkey or chicken can also be substituted for the beef if you prefer a leaner protein, but don’t forget to adjust the seasonings to complement your choice.
Can I add extra veggies to the recipe?
Definitely! Stir in a handful of fresh spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers alongside the tomatoes and broth. These veggies will wilt and cook through as the sauce simmers, adding even more color, nutrients, and flavor to your Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe.
Will this recipe work with gluten-free pasta?
It sure will—just use your favorite gluten-free pasta shape! Keep an eye on the cooking time, since some gluten-free pastas cook a bit faster or need a gentler hand when tossing with sauce. The creamy, savory flavors will still shine through.
Can I prepare this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe ahead for a crowd?
This dish is perfect for entertaining! You can make the sauce and pasta separately up to a day ahead. Before serving, simply combine and heat gently, then add the mozzarella and parsley just before serving for that freshly-made feel.
Final Thoughts
I can’t think of a better dish to bring families, friends, or even picky eaters together than this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe. It’s easy, irresistibly creamy, and packed with comfort in every bite. I hope you’ll give it a try and let it become a new favorite at your table just like it is at mine!
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Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this beef and bowtie pasta recipe that’s both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish is a crowd-pleaser with its rich flavors and simple preparation.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in onion and garlic until softened. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Add diced tomatoes and beef broth, simmer for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Finish the Sauce: Lower heat, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add cooked pasta, coat evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella on top, cover, let melt for 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra vegetables, stir in spinach, peas, or bell peppers.
- You can substitute ground beef with turkey or sausage.
- This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
